The Devils announced today that they have signed forward Wayne Simmonds to a one-year contract worth $5 million. Simmonds, who plays right wing, had 17 goals and 13 assists in 79 games last year. He started the season with the Philadelphia Flyers but was traded to the Nashville Predators at the deadline. He played in two playoff games for the Predators and went pointless in both of them. Drafted in the third round (61st overall) by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Simmonds is on his fourth team over his 11-year career. This contract is a raise AAV-wise from his last one but a big step down in term, which paid him $23.85 million over six years (a $3.975 AAV).
Lydia’s Reaction: I think this is an overpayment, but it is very smart of New Jersey to only give him a one-year deal at this value. That certainly softens the blow of paying a guy five million dollars who is clearly on the decline and only managed 30 points in 79 games last season. Simmonds’ offensive numbers have steadily declined in each of the past four seasons, and he is no longer the goal-scoring power forward some people choose to still think of him as. Injuries have taken a toll on his body and playing abilities, but he can still be a valuable player in a lesser role and on the power play. He’s an extremely tough customer who is willing to play through pretty much anything, and he is a great character guy. He is a good leader and is a good, well-liked guy in the dressing room. For a young Devils team that just got Jack Hughes first overall and added one of most polarizing dressing room figures via trade in P.K. Subban, I think Simmonds is a great add and will fit in well. He can protect the young guys and show them what it takes to play in the NHL, and he’ll also be great in the dressing room in a veteran leadership role. I think he’ll help the room come together and help players bond and check their egos at the door. Would I have paid him $5 million? Absolutely not. But, he was another player who was destined to be overpaid wherever he went, and I can easily see why the Devils wanted him. Good on them to go out and get him and to only sign him to a one-year deal, as they have the cap space to overpay him now and this gives them a chance to see how he fits in their team and for him to show what he has left in him. If he gets resigned by them to a longer-term contract next year, expect it to be for a lower AAV. Overall, I think this will be a good signing for the Devils even though it’s an overpayment because it’s just for a year so it’s not that big a deal. He’ll be a good presence for the young guys on and off the ice and the organization can see whether or not he’ll fit into their long term plans. There should be no reason the Devils regret this signing, as even if he doesn’t do well it’s not like they are pressed up against the cap ceiling.
Stephen’s Reaction: I honestly don’t even know what to say. The fact that New Jersey thinks that five million is a fair value? I think Shero needs a CAT scan to see if he’s OK. Think of it this way, for another $3.7 million you could have Sidney Crosby. Simmonds would be lucky to get more than 40 points this season and you’re giving him $5 million? I could put up that many points. All I need to do is put up at least a secondary assist every other night to make $5 million. I guess I should have taken youth hockey more seriously. The only bonus to this deal is that its a one year contract. That is the only upside to this deal. Out of all the moves New Jersey has made this summer, drafting Jack Hughes was the only thing that was definitely good. I’m not sure about any of the other ones. I could definitely have done better. I guess from one perspective, it’s a good thing. One less team Pittsburgh needs to worry about for playoffs.
Hockey Addict 